Pirate-hunter Nick Dunn has been dealt another frustrating set back in his fight for freedom.

The 29-year-old was released from an Indian prison a year ago when charges for gun running filed against him were quashed.

But he was later told he would face a retrial over the charges.

On Monday he travelled to Tuticorin to attend court and give his plea.

However the case was adjourned after one of the men failed to show up for the court hearing.

Nick’s sister Lisa, 35, of Ashington, Northumberland, said: “It’s so frustrating. It just seems to be delay after delay.

“Nick has travelled 12 hours down to the court, only to be told the case will be adjourned until Friday.

Lisa Dunn, sister of Ashington Pirate Hunter Nick Dunn

“He then has to make his way back and then do the same journey on Friday.”

Nick - an Afghanistan and Iraq veteran - was working for a US firm protecting ships in pirate-infested seas when Indian authorities seized their vessel.

A court threw out the case but police refused to hand back their passports and pressed for a trial.

If found guilty Nick, also of Ashington, could face up to seven years in an Indian prison.

Nick was arrested in October 2013, along with five other British workers for the alleged illegal possession of weapons, while working for AdvanFort who provide protection to other ships from pirate attacks.

He was released on bail from Puzhal Prison in Chennai in India in March, but was subject to strict conditions and was told he must remain in Chennai.

The charges filed against Nick and the others by Q Branch Police were quashed in April, but the police lodged an appeal against the decision with the Supreme Court.